23 December 2024

Leicester City coach Ruud van Nistelrooy said his team does not view Sunday's match with Wolves as a must-win match in the Premier League relegation battle.

The Foxes enter the weekend one place above the relegation zone in 17th, five points behind 19th-placed Wolves.

“We know where we are in the table and Wolves as well and the position they are in and we are in (near the bottom),” Van Nistelrooy said. For us, it is important to continue developing.

“It's more than just where we are in the table and where the opponent is. It's the next step in developing the way we want to play and act as well as react to defeat.”

Leicester have won just one of their last six matches against teams in the bottom three, and Wolves made a change in manager this week, replacing Gary O'Neill with Vitor Pereira.

Van Nistelrooy said: “Of course you can do some research on what (Vitor Pereira) was doing in Saudi Arabia, and how he played in the teams he coached before.

“We can also take a closer look at what Wolves have done over the last month but of course changes can be made.

“Will it be a big change or a small one? These are all questions that we have to face and prepare for. We also have to be prepared for some surprises.”

Leicester team news

The big issue for Van Nistelrooy is the health of goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Hermansen was forced to come off at half-time against Newcastle last weekend, with substitute Danny Ward conceding two goals before even touching the ball.

“That's the question,” Van Nistelrooy said. “We're still doing everything we can, and Mads too, to get to the game.”

“There is a possibility that he will be able to play, which is the good news. It was worrying that he had to leave the field at half-time. Evaluation, immediate treatment and rehabilitation have been ongoing throughout the week so far. We are waiting to see how it goes today and tomorrow to see if He can play on Sunday.

About Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks“This week Harry has been a full part of team training so he is available for selection again which is very positive news for the team. Wilfred is in rehab, he is not on the field so he is not available for selection.”

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